Utara kannada no better, 3407 people shifted

With three dams—Kadra, Kodasalli and Bommanalli nearing the maximum level, water is being let out.

Overflowing Krishna river near Raichur —KPN

Karwar: Incessant rains and floods in Uttara Kannada district have affected the two major roads connecting with the hinterland and forced 3,407 people to shift to 49 temporary rehabilitation centres set up by the district administration.

Following the heavy downpour and floods, the deputy commissioner declared a holiday for all schools and colleges on Thursday. According to sources, Mallapura township and adjacent areas like Hinduwada near Kaiga have been flooded due to increase in the level of the river.

"The Navy continued rescue operations Tuesday night and a total of 500 people were evacuated from flooded areas to safety. The naval rescue team recommenced operations on Wednesday morning and 100 Kaiga power plant employees were evacuated to safer place. So far, 55 women and children have been moved to safe locations," a Navy communique stated.

The Naval Base in Karwar has mobilised Emergency Response Teams in three vehicles comprising naval divers, Gemini boats, life jackets, lifebuoys, ropes as well as diving equipment since Tuesday afternoon.

Ankola taluk too faced the brunt of floods due to the flooded Gangavali River. The NH 63 connecting Ankola and Yellapur was flooded near Sunkasala. Meanwhile due to the landslide at the Arebail Ghat section, the road has been shut.

As the road, connecting Hubballi has been closed, milk and other major supplies to Karwar and Ankola have been affected partially. The other major road that connects Kumta and Sirsi was open for some time but was again blocked due to the flood in Chandika river near Katgal.

With three dams—Kadra, Kodasalli and Bommanalli nearing the maximum level, water is being let out. The ten gates of Kadra dam have been kept open with 39 TMC water let out from the dam since Wednesday morning.

With the catchment areas of Supa dam receiving heavy rain increasing the water level in the dam, KPCL authorities have decided to open the dam gates shortly and have asked people living downstream to shift to safer areas.